Council recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month; mayor highlights local Bracero program history

The Bend City Council issued a statement recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, observed Sept. 15–Oct. 15, and highlighted local history and upcoming community events. The mayor’s remarks traced local ties to the Bracero program during World War II and urged residents to participate in local celebrations.

Key points: The mayor read a prepared statement with background on Hispanic Heritage Month and local history, noting the Bracero program began in 1942 and that Central Oregon relied on seasonal and migrant agricultural workers during the region’s potato‑harvest era. The statement acknowledged historical injustices faced by braceros, and it noted that domestic migrant workers still confront health, housing and wage challenges. The mayor cited a figure that about 4,200 workers obtained H‑2A visas to work in Oregon last year and directed listeners to local events hosted by the Latino Community Association and others (events on Sept. 28 and Oct. 4 were mentioned).

Why it matters: The statement framed Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity to recognize contributions and to spotlight ongoing workforce and housing issues affecting farmworkers and migrants in Central Oregon. Council did not take a separate vote to create a proclamation; the mayor placed the statement on the record.